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While some fans may be disappointed not to experience aRihannaSuper Bowl performance, many celebrities have supported the singer’s decision toturn down the opportunity.
“Yes they asked her and yes, she declined,” a source with knowledge of the situation told PEOPLE, adding that the decision was likely made in support of former San Francisco 49ers quarterbackColin Kaepernick, known for kickstarting the #TakeAKnee movement.
After the news first broke on Thursday,Amy Schumerquickly stepped in to applaud the Fenty Beauty mogul, 30, and suggest that it would be “cool” ifMaroon 5, who areexpected to performat the2019 Super Bowl, followedRihanna’s lead.
“Wouldn’t it be so cool if @adamlevine and @maroon5 stepped down too? What do you guys think?” Schumerwroteon Instagram, alongside a headline covering the story.
Replying, comedianKathy Griffinwrote “That is feminine power my friends, that is feminine power! Good for her!”
The next day, Schumer posted a longer meditation on why more people aren’t publicly supporting Kaepernick.
“Friday thought. I wonder why more white players aren’t kneeling. Once you witness the truly deep inequality and endless racism people of color face in our country, not to mention the policy brutality and murders. Why not kneel next to your brothers? Otherwise how are you not complicit?” she wrote.
“I think it would be cool if @maroon5 backed out of [the] super bowl like @badgalriri Did,” she continued, adding that she had already “told my reps I wouldn’t do a Super Bowl commercial this year.”
Continuing, she wrote: “I know it must sound like a privilege ass sacrifice but it’s all i got. Hitting the nfl with the advertisers is the only way to really hurt them. I know opposing the nfl is like opposing the nra. Very tough, but don’t you want to be proud of how you’re living? Stand up for your brothers and sisters of color.”
Schumer’s pal, modelEmily Ratajkowskiliked both posts.
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Rihanna also received support fromThe Good Place’sJameela Jamil as well asAnika Noni Rose, who voiced Tiana in 2008’s ThePrincess and the Frog.
“What a powerhouse. Rihanna’s grown into such an important voice for women, for people of colour and for body positivity,” Jamil wrote. “Turning down a $2M dollar cheque and all that publicity and the records and clothes and make up she would have sold off the back of it…is God-Level Boss.”
“I’ve loved @rihanna for some time. I love her even more today. #Superbowl #NFL,” Rose wrote, quickly posting another Tweet of a womancarrying a crown.
source: people.com
